Urban Uprising Climbing Complex

Sad to watch the quality of climbing at this gym decrease so rapidly due to mismanagement. Until last year all bouldering problems would change every month or two, which was not as fast as most gyms, but still acceptable. Now problems are sometimes up for 6 months or longer! There were problems set in the spring that were still up in December! And there are so few holds on the walls that it’s difficult to create our own problems. Boring! Staff could be resetting problems rather than surfing the web, had they the right direction. Lots of potential, but mismanaged.

I’ve climbed here on several occasions, and would give it a solid 3.
Pros:
— This is a great place to go if you’re into bouldering, but don’t want to fork out a lot of money. They have plenty of routes to keep you busy.
— If you are a member of the Alpine Club of Canada, you are eligible for the student discount.
— Prices are better than other climbing facilities in the city.
Cons:
— It’s a small facility, and it’s usually pretty packed with students (many of whom are trying out climbing for the first time). It can get pretty congested.
— Staff is hit or miss. Certain people are really helpful and knowledgeable, others are not.
— The crowd here is different than at other facilities. I’ve had several negative encounters with poor climbing etiquette.
Some other things to note:
— If you have a question, call them rather than email. I’ve never had any luck by contacting them via email.
— You can take a class to prepare you for a top rope test, however they only teach you to belay with a grigri. Other climbing facilities in the city will test you using the ATC, not the grigri, so request that they teach you using both.

This is pretty much the same deal as Vertically Inclined. The difference is that it’s not as expensive and it’s smaller than Vertically inclined. If you are a beginner or you just like going for fun than it’s not really a big deal.
The staff here knows their stuff and is very helpful. You don’t feel like they are looking down on you if you have no idea what you are doing. Just like Vertically Inclined, this place is a nice way to get out of doing the norm in Edmonton.

This indoor climbing facility is cheaper than Vertically Inclined in the southside, but it’s not as big and the hours aren’t as good. However, if you’re a student and don’t have much money, then this is pretty much the only place you can really afford to climb in Edmonton. Vertically Inclined is expensive, even if you have your own equipment. Urban Uprising is more affordable, and you can get the full climbing experience with bouldering, top-​rope climbing and lead climbing for beginner to advanced. Everyone who works here is right into the climbing culture and they’re super supportive and helpful.
You can drop in or take a course and you don’t need to bring your own equipment. There are also programs for all ages. This facility’s not just for students. It’s open to the public and lots of kids climb here.